Turkey says it could help meet Saudi military needs under defense pact

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on Saturday that Turkey is prepared to assist Saudi Arabia with its military needs, particularly on technical issues, due to ongoing Houthi attacks from Yemen. This assistance would fall under the "Mecca Joint Defence Agreement," a trilateral pact signed last month that includes Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. The agreement stipulates that an armed attack on one member is considered an attack on all. Fidan noted, "We see there are very serious attacks on Saudi Arabia's territorial integrity and sovereignty." The Houthis have been targeting Saudi cities, energy infrastructure, and shipping since declaring a naval blockade in July, following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. While the US has declined Saudi requests for military support against the Houthis, Pakistan has indicated that while discussions about a military reaction under the Mecca agreement are not currently underway, it would act "when the time comes." Turkey has condemned the Houthi attacks and called for their immediate cessation.